Babies

Learning To WalkProducts Relating to 'Learning To Walk'

Young children have gone without shoes for most of human history, and still do so in many parts of the world, so the answer to the question, "What are the best shoes for the child who is learning to walk?" is still being debated. It has been proven that feet are more flexible, stronger and healthier when shoes are not worn, and many experts believe that it is best to go barefoot whenever and wherever possible. Of course this isn't always practical and so, for a young child who's learning to walk, the next best thing to no shoes is a shoe that is as close as possible to bare feet. Look for:

• The correct fit. Neither too big nor too small, though a tight shoe will cause more problems for a child who is learning to walk than one which is too large.
• Easy to take on and off. High top shoes can be confining and are more difficult for parents to put on and for toddlers to take off. But low-cut shoes come off easily and a child can pull them off at will. They can also slip off by themselves. What's best for your child when he or she is learning to walk will depend on foot shape as well as on the fit of a particular pair of shoes.
• Light weight. It's hard enough learning to put one foot in front of another and if the shoes are too heavy then this becomes even more of a challenge!
• Flexible soles. Make learning to walk easier, so check you can bend the toe of the shoe up easily.
• The right soles. Neither so slippery that your child is always sliding around, but neither so non-slip that it's hard for them to lift their feet. Search out rubber soles that are grooved like tire treads. If the shoes do have smooth slippery soles, then rough them up a bit with sandpaper to improve their grip before your toddler wears them.
• Breathable uppers. Much nicer to have leather or canvas uppers that allow the foot to breathe, than plastic or fake leather which make feet hot and sweaty.
• No heels. Even a small heel can alter a child's posture and balance, making learning to walk even more difficult.
• Good support. The backs of the shoes should offer good support to the foot and preferably be padded along the back edge, making them less likely to rub and a lot more comfortable.
• Attractive colors and designs. Toddlers will often refuse to wear shoes they don't like. So if at all possible let them have a say in chosing their shoes - bright colors and designs are usually favorites, while those featuring animals, cartoons or other pictures score bonus points.
• Not too expensive. While your child is learning to walk, and indeed beyond, their feet will be growing very fast and you'll probably have to replace their shoes four, five or even more times in the next year.

If you can afford it, it's a good idea to buy two pairs of shoes at a time. Mud, water and perspiration are all attracted to the average toddler who is learning to walk and switching pairs will allow shoes to dry completely between outings.

Article Published: Thursday 11th October 2007